For a while I have wanted to build something to test EVSE's under load. Replacing a car requires a large dummy load!
I first thought about using electric range elements but they would be dangerous to be around.
Then I considered back up heat elements from a heat pump. But they were large and required forced air.
Finally I considered 240V heaters. They are nearly resistive except for the fan and they are available. I used a 4800W construction heater and a 3000, 4000, and 5000W garage heater.
Using both heaters I can get at 240V 3000W, 4000W, 48000W. 5000W. 7800W, 8800W, and 9800W.. At 120V I can get a quarter of the power. At 208V I can get three quarter power.
I displayed the pilot information and the proximity switch but I do not use the information. It is strictly manual. I also included a thermocouple in the connector for an external meter.
The photos show my OpenEVSE at 32A and my Nissan brick at 10A.
I first thought about using electric range elements but they would be dangerous to be around.
Then I considered back up heat elements from a heat pump. But they were large and required forced air.
Finally I considered 240V heaters. They are nearly resistive except for the fan and they are available. I used a 4800W construction heater and a 3000, 4000, and 5000W garage heater.
Using both heaters I can get at 240V 3000W, 4000W, 48000W. 5000W. 7800W, 8800W, and 9800W.. At 120V I can get a quarter of the power. At 208V I can get three quarter power.
I displayed the pilot information and the proximity switch but I do not use the information. It is strictly manual. I also included a thermocouple in the connector for an external meter.
The photos show my OpenEVSE at 32A and my Nissan brick at 10A.